How to Change the SMS Message Settings on My BlackBerry

The SMS messaging settings in your BlackBerry smartphone allow you to change everything from how the messages look on the screen to what information is included in the message, and even what network you send the message over. Unlike most of the settings on the BlackBerry, you won't find the SMS settings in the "Options" application, but a special menu found in the "Text Messages" application.

Press the "BlackBerry" underneath your BlackBerry's LCD. The main menu will appear on the screen. Select the "Text Messages" icon.

Push the "BlackBerry" key and a pop-up menu will appear on the screen. Scroll down the menu and select the "Options" entry.

Tap the box next to the listed entries to toggle their setting between on and off. By manipulating these settings, you can choose to group consecutive messages, show names in the messaging folder, use the "Enter" key to send an SMS message, disable AutoText and leave a copy of messages on the SIM card.

Select the "Conversation Style" entry to toggle between having the messages appear as bubbles or as simply blocks of text with different colored backgrounds. Select the "Network To Send Over" to choose between the packet switched network and the circuit switched network. Finally, you can select the number next to "Retries" at the bottom of the menu to choose how many times to attempt to send a message before giving up. Press the "Back" button and choose "Save" to save your changes.

Press the "BlackBerry" button and choose "Message Notifiers." Select the "Text Messages" option to access a menu where you can manipulate the sounds the device will play when you get a text message. You can change the ring tone, the volume, the number of times the tone plays, the device vibrations settings and even whether the LED flashes. Press the "Back" button after you have made your changes and choose "Save."